Abstract:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a prominent spice,
colorant, and preservative, belongs to the family
Zingiberaceae, widely cultivated in Asian
countries including India, China, and Sri Lanka.
Curcumin is the most imperative fraction of
turmeric, responsible for its biological activities.
Study the variation of curcumin content in
turmeric accessions grown in Sri Lanka is
important to produce more and more turmeric
with higher curcumin contents. This study was
mainly focused to determine the curcumin content
of different turmeric accessions collected from
different locations of Sri Lanka and cultivated
under coconut at the Intercropping and Betel
Research Station, Department of Export
Agriculture at Dampallassa, Narammala with
similar agronomic practices. Curcumin content
was evaluated dry weight basis using the
spectrophotometer. The results clearly revealed
that there were significant differences (p<0.05)
among turmeric accessions in curcumin contents.
Curcumin contents were ranged from
0.3458±0.037% to 4.9881±0.0141%. From the
results, it was evident that the curcumin content of
T12, T26, T3, T2, T8, and T5 complies with the
range identified in the Sri Lankan standard level
(3-6%). Further, turmeric powder found in world
market have marked the average curcumin
content from 2% to 6% by weight. Locally grown
accessions also resulted in between curcumin
contents and it proves that Sri Lankan turmeric is
suitable for exports. Moisture contents of all
turmeric accessions were in the agreement of
standards of Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI)
which is 12% in maximum. Moreover, cluster
analysis revealed that all accessions were
classified into three groups which will be
extremely useful to initiate breeding programs.
